Preseason steams ahead this afternoon in Bradenton, Florida, as FC Cincinnati is set to play their second match in four days at IMG Academy.
In it, the guys will be squaring up against MLS level competition for just the second time -- though memories of our last clash against a side from that league will warm even the coldest winter hearts!
And you can take an in-depth look ahead at this afternoon's match in our full preview below.
WHEN
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017, at 4pm Eastern.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT GATE ONLY.
OPPOSITION
Much like our trip to IMG last season, the second opponent that the Orange & Blue will face this preseason will hail from Major League Soccer. And this year, it's Chicago Fire Soccer Club that lies in wait. But while NYCFC in 2016 were just a second year club, in Chicago, FCC will face a far more storied opponent. Now in their 20th season, the Fire have an MLS Cup in their trophy cabinet -- thought it's been 19 years since they put it there -- a MLS Supporters Shield (2003) and four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups (with the last coming in 2006).
VENUE
IMG Academy Stadium in Bradenton, Florida.
DIRECTIONS
FORM
FCC: The boys have just a solitary match under their belts in this young 2017 preseason, and that came in Sunday's 3-2 loss to OKC Energy FC of the USL's Western Conference. But drawing many conclusions on the team's current form from that result might be jumping ahead a bit. Why? That first preseason match of the season was not only Head Coach Alan Koch's first match in charge of the team, but it was also a game that saw nearly completely changed sides in each half. That said, while there's clearly work still to be done, there are plenty of positives to draw from it, too.
CFSC: The Fire have already played a handful of matches this spring, bringing a perfect 4-0-0 record in preseason to tonight's game. And those four wins came against the full spectrum of normal preseason competition. They started their year off with a pair of 1-0 wins, the first coming against Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA DI) and the second against Philadelphia Union (MLS). Their second pair of friendlies were more prolific, with dominant 4-1 and 5-2 scorelines achieved against Montreal Impact (MLS) and Miami FC (NASL). However, a grain of salt to take with that preseason record: Chicago finished with the infamous "2016 MLS Wooden Spoon", awarded to the team with the worst record in the league.
COACH
"Our group are very excited to continue our preseason preparations against MLS opposition. We will continue to give players opportunities to build match minutes and will start to establish relationships on the pitch. We are looking to build on what have been some excellent training sessions here at IMG.”
- Head Coach Alan Koch
PLAYERS
FCC: With most players getting no more than 45 minutes in the first outing, it was hard to make a huge impact on the game. But there were definite bright spots from all of the new players in Koch's squad. That was punctuated by a goal scoring combination from new forwards Daryl Fordyce and Djiby Fall, with the latter providing the assist to the former's first goal for the Orange & Blue.
CFSC: The retooled Chicago side under second year head coach Veljko Paunovic has many picking the Fire as a dark horse for the 2017 MLS season. And preseason is going accordingly with an undefeated record thanks to 8 different goal scorers (plus an own goal) netting 11 times so far. Leading the way with two apiece are new man and Hungarian international Nemanja Nikolic (#23) and David Accam (#11). You might also want to watch new acquisition Dax McCarty (#8), who has been one of the top midfielders in MLS for the last five years.
HISTORY
This is pretty predictable during this time of the year -- especially so when you're just a second year club -- but this is first time FC Cincinnati have faced Chicago Fire.
WEATHER
It's a bit cooler in Florida today, with temperatures at kickoff expected to be around 68° F. Humidity remains high with cloudy skies and a light breeze expected too, but it appears that it should remain dry all evening.
WATCH
As this is preseason, none of our matches prior to the start of the regular season campaign will be on television.
However, just like last year, all the matches at IMG Academy will be streamed. Unlike last year though, all of the streams at IMG will be FREE of charge!
CLICK HERE TO STREAM FCC vs CFSC
LISTEN
None of FC Cincinnati's 2017 preseason matches will be available over the radio or via streaming radio.
SOCIAL
Just as was the case in 2016, you can follow along with the action during all of our 2017 matches live on our Twitter feed at @fccincinnati. Halftime and full time updates will also be available on Facebook. To get live looks from the match, follow us on Instagram and Snapchat at 'fccincinnati', too.
